Archives for 2014

Ten years ago today the Indian Ocean tsunami hit land in Aceh province, Indonesia. As we mark this tragic anniversary, we also reflect on some valuable lessons learned about how we respond to disasters. Here are five.

The DRG Center is using the Global Development Lab’s new Development Innovation Accelerator to do better, more innovative programming. In September 2014, President Obama charged USAID with developing six networked regional civil society innovation centers all over the world. USAID used the DIA to have a huge co-creation meeting with over 60 stakeholders to co-design the initiative.

The world’s 232 million migrant workers bring wealth, infrastructure and services to a globalizing world. But they also fall outside of human rights norms and are often victims of exploitation. Read how USAID has elevated the profile of some of the world’s most invisible workers.

“Death is always difficult,” said Elizabeth Stevens, a nurse from Freetown, Sierra Leone.
At her new job, Stevens is forced to confront this stark reality every day, and in a way that she never has before.

As leaders of U.S. humanitarian efforts, we contend with a long list of global disasters, conflicts and disease outbreaks. Yet none fills us with as much frustration and despair as the crisis in South Sudan. Why? Because this crisis should never have happened.

Despite the region’s robust economic growth, over 60 percent of those in extreme poverty still live in Asia. Partnering with countries to invest in Universal Health Coverage will boost the critical economic growth and social safety nets needed to eliminate extreme poverty.

Last week, 21,000 metric tons of American-grown sorghum were offloaded in Port Sudan to respond to the ongoing hunger crisis in South Sudan. While USAID is taking every measure to respond to the crisis, the best way to avert a future famine is for the combatants to stop fighting.

December 10 marks International Human Rights Day and the 66th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. USAID joins the world and all those who struggle for the realization and protection of their human rights.